NAIRN. 



107 



The rooks in Edinburgh build in nearly every square and 

 garden in great numbers. They break the twigs off the trees to 

 build with. Some of the trees are nearly destroyed by them, all 

 the small twigs being broken off. During the building season 

 (March) the rooks are very tame in Edinburgh, "walking about 

 the streets close to the passers-by, and coming into the little yards 

 and gardens to carry off any stick that may be lying about. They 

 also walk about the streets in search of bits of hay, straw, etc. to 

 line their nests with. 



In severe frost and snow, the Highlanders, who are liable to 

 much exposure, loosen every strap and bandage that can at all 

 impede the circulation of their blood, to escape being frost-bitten. 

 They even take off' their garters. Nevertheless, Professor Syme 

 says that he has eleven or twelve frost-bitten patients every 

 season. 



